In Memory of: David A. Naylor

It is with a sad and heavy heart that THS reports David A. Naylor, much loved author, theatre historian, and long-time THS member, has passed away.

THS President, Karen Colizzi Noonan and David Naylor at the 2006 Conclave Banquet. Credit: Stefanie Klavens.

As the author of American Picture Palaces: The Architecture of Fantasy, Great American Movie Theaters and American Theaters: Performance Palaces of the Nineteenth Century, David was able to document and capture the magic of  the American movie theater landscape. Global in his vision and friendships, David will be greatly missed.

A blog, Dave Naylor the Great, has been set up as a virtual memorial for memories of Dave and those who knew this wonderful and inspiring man.

For those of you who would like to make a contribution to THS in David’s memory, please make sure to note that information in the “comments” section in the online form.

THS Passing: Elliott Stein

We are sad to learn of the passing of former member Elliott Stein.

Many of you will recall that Mr. Stein, a writer and frequent contributor to the Village Voice,  tagged along on our 1999 Conclave as it rambled its way through Western and Central New York State.  He penned his thoughts for an article in the Village Voice titled “Palace Walks: On the Road With The Theatre Historical Society.

http://www.villagevoice.com/1999-08-10/film/palace-walks/

Mr. Stein famously referred to his fellow THS members as “the legions of the truly obsessed” – to which we simply say a humble “thank you”!

A link to his obituary can be found here:
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2012/11/post_36.php

New York City-Theatre Museum Founder Helen Marie Guditis Passes Away

THS was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Helen Guditis of New York City.

Helen was the founder and President of The Theatre Museum and was a long time supporter and collaborator with THS.  We worked with Helen to produce several exhibits and issues of our Annual.

Her loss will certainly be felt for many years to come.

Read more: http://broadwayworld.com/article/Theatre-Museum-Founder-Helen-Marie-Guditis-Passes-Away-20121206#ixzz2ElORpTFJ

THS Passing: Jacqueline Maltin, mother of THS Member Leonard Maltin

The THS family sends our thoughts and condolences to member Leonard Maltin on the passing of his mother, Jacqueline.   Leonard wrote a lovely and moving tribute to her on his blog, which we are proud to share with you.

http://blogs.indiewire.com/leonardmaltin/thanks-mom

Remembering Tom DuBuque

Tom was usually the first to find an ice cream shop near our Conclave theatres. Here he is on  the T-shirt worn by members at the first Tom DuBuque Memorial Ice Cream Social at Gunther’s during the recent Sacramento area conclave. (Kathy McLeister photo modelled by John Kiesendahl.

Today marks the first anniversary of the passing of Dr. Thomas R. DuBuque, DDS, our former President, Board member, Conclave planner, volunteer and friend. Another driver swerved on a mountain curve and Tom was killed in a head-on crash in South Africa. After he retired from his dental practice in suburban Milwaukee about 4 years ago Tom volunteered at the THS Archive at out Elmhurst Illinois HQ, usually staying overnight to work two days. Tom was well-travelled across the world and went to Japan every year. To honor Tom, THS has created the Thomas R. DuBuque Research Fellowship. The Fellowship was created to support scholars conducting research in the THS Archives. Grants of up to $1500.00 are available   Application are due Nov. 1. Details are available at http://www.historictheatres.org or from Kathy McLeister, Archive Director, at archivedir@historictheatres.org or at 630/782-1800. The Fellowship is funded, in part, by donations to the Thomas DuBuque Memorial Fund at THS. Tom lives on through the Fellowship. You can help perpetuate his memory by donating to the Memorial Fund. (Some THS members may not see this post so if you have THS friends please tell them about this opportunity, too.) Kathy can give you information about donating to it.  We miss you, Tom!

Boxoffice no longer boffo for Variety ?

Is the future dim for sho biz bible?

Biff Buttler in New York City sends an interesting story about the possible demise of Variety since box-office grosses (exclusively reported by it in the old days) are now reported by the news media. Many Chicago theatre photos in the story:

http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-death-of-variety-supply-chaining-of.html

PASSINGS: Garda Parker – Weiss Award Winner, Historian, Researcher

It is with great sadness that THS has learned of the passing of Garda Parker, whose 2004 Weiss Award winning article on the Earlville Opera House was printed in Marquee magazine in 2009.

The entire THS family extends our condolences to her family and friends on her untimely passing.

http://www.uticaod.com/midyorkobits/x1849865626/Obituaries-May-17-2012

THS Passing: Ron Coombe

THS is sorry to learn of the passing of long-time member Ron Coombe.

Ron loved theater organs and worked on many restoration and upkeep groups throughout Western and Central NY.  He attended many THS Conclaves and was always a true gentleman to everyone he met.

Our warm thoughts go out to his family and friends.

http://obits.syracuse.com/obituaries/syracuse/obituary.aspx?n=ronald-w-coombe&pid=157983445

Member Passing: Ronald Bishop – “Mr. RCMH Wurlitzer”

THS Member ERIC FAHNER reports the passing of fellow THS member Ronald C Bishop.  Eric writes:  “He was Mr. Radio City Music Hall Wurlitzer, and not only loved and maintained Church and Theatre organs, he loved the buildings they were in. In addition to this he loved his wife Emmie, whom he met and married while she was a Rockette at RCMH. He was the one who got me to join the society, and I will greatly miss his stories and phone calls.”

The THS family extends heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Bishop, their sons and grandchildren.

http://observertoday.com/page/content.detail/id/570693/Ronald-C–Bishop-Jr-.html?nav=5008

Bernard Gruenke Sr. of Conrad Schmitt Studios has died.

The restored Rialto, Joliet, Illinois, from a series of elaborate brochures Conrad Schmitt Studios produced on their many theatre restorations.

Thanks to Milwaukee THS Director Don Bohatka for this story. Bernard O. Gruenke and his son Bernard E. were named  THS  Honorary Members of the Year in 1986 for their significant work in theatre interior restorations with Conrad Schmitt Studios. A company brochure lists over 40 theatre projects.  Granddaughter Heidi Gruenke Emery is a current member. She and brother Gunar Gruenke currently operate Conrad Schmitt Studios in New Berlin WI.

“Bernard O. Gruenke’s passion for the arts developed early and had as many facets as the religious mosaic-like stained-glass works for which he became famous. Gruenke,  died March 31. He was 99. He began his art explorations at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, spent time at the Corcoran Art School in Washington, D.C., and drew portraits in South Carolina before he sought out Conrad Schmitt’s architectural arts studio in New Berlin. . .”

Here’s the link to an on-line obituary:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/obituaries/gruenke-a-true-artist-om50nrb-147526375.html